ARENA supports fast charging network in Australia

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced funding of up to $25.3 million for the company NewVolt. The aim is to establish a joint fast-charging network for electric trucks in Victoria to advance the electrification of road freight transport within the country, as stated by ARENA.

NewVolt plans to build three publicly accessible fast-charging stations for heavy and medium-duty electric trucks in the suburbs of Melbourne. These charging stations will be available to both fleet customers and the entire industry. The funding from ARENA supports 50 to 100 electric trucks that are to be deployed in heavy-duty transport in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Step towards emission reduction

Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA, emphasized the significance of such projects for reducing emissions in the sector. „Heavy-duty transport is one of the most challenging modes of transport to electrify. It relies on powerful and reliable charging infrastructure, and the high acquisition costs for new trucks and the associated infrastructure currently pose a real barrier,“ Miller explained. The first location of the fast-charging stations is expected to open by the end of 2026, with additional locations to follow by 2027.

www.arena.gov.au